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Cheapest Economics Colleges in Massachusetts

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Massachusetts Economics programs span from $14,738 at Worcester State to $26,996 at the high end, yet the state's most elite institutions actually rank among the most affordable after aid. MIT graduates earn $110,878 annually while costing just $19,813 net, while Harvard students pay only $16,816 despite the $59,076 sticker price. This unusual affordability at top-tier schools reflects generous endowment-funded aid that makes world-well-known programs accessible. The state's public universities cluster around $15,000-$19,000, serving students who enter the region's finance, biotech, and consulting sectors centered in Boston. With the highest college density nationwide, Massachusetts creates intense competition for talent, driving both strong aid packages and strong post-graduation earning potential. UMass Lowell Economics graduates start at $36,852, while those from elite private colleges can expect nearly double that amount. The state's MassGrant Plus program further reduces costs for in-state students at public institutions, making Economics education accessible across income levels.
38
Programs
$14,738 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$57,896
Avg. Program Earnings
73.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Economics Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,738 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
2 $14,852 $64,860 96.6% 8.5%
3 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
4 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
5 $16,816 $59,076 97.3% 3.2%
6 $17,970 $11,389 54.6% 87.7%
7 $18,246 $67,280 93.4% 7.3%
8 $18,282 $15,496 51.1% 80.8%
9 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
10 $18,561 $11,882 54.9% 81.5%
11 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
12 $19,813 $60,156 96.1% 4.0%
13 $20,605 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
14 $23,691 $17,357 83.2% 63.5%
15 $24,817 $28,100 67.6% 91.8%
16 $25,008 $64,320 91.2% 13.6%
17 $25,299 $42,970 42.3% 89.4%
18 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
19 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
20 $26,996 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
21 $27,313 $45,538 71.2% 76.5%
22 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
23 $28,853 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
24 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
25 $29,969 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
26 $30,031 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
27 $30,934 $62,080 75.7% 79.5%
28 $31,170 $46,430 63.9% 88.0%
29 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
30 $32,116 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
31 $33,885 $64,946 86.1% 39.4%
32 $35,435 $67,844 93.3% 9.7%
33 $36,684 $66,594 54.2% 95.5%
34 $36,868 $60,850 89.6% 36.4%
35 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
36 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
37 $39,866 $67,680 91.0% 16.7%
38 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

How do private college costs compare to public universities for Economics in Massachusetts?

Private colleges like Harvard ($16,816 net) and Williams ($14,852 net) often cost less than mid-tier public options after financial aid. UMass Amherst runs $23,691 net while Gordon College costs $24,817, showing that sticker price tells only part of the story. The most expensive option analyzed was Gordon College at $24,817, while Worcester State offers the lowest net cost at $14,738.

What salary differences exist between Massachusetts Economics programs?

MIT Economics graduates earn $110,878 annually, nearly three times the $36,852 starting salary at UMass Lowell. Harvard and Amherst graduates earn around $75,000-$79,000, while state university graduates typically start between $43,000-$49,000. The $74,000 salary gap between highest and lowest demonstrates how institutional reputation affects early career earnings in Massachusetts markets.

Is financial aid really better at elite Massachusetts colleges?

Top-tier schools offer remarkable aid packages that make them surprisingly affordable. Williams College students pay just $14,852 despite a $64,860 sticker price, while Harvard costs $16,816 from a $59,076 list price. These schools use massive endowments to provide need-based aid that often exceeds what families would pay at state schools. Average debt at Harvard is only $6,617 compared to $23,250 at UMass Lowell.

Does acceptance rate affect the value of Economics programs in Massachusetts?

Highly selective programs deliver higher returns but require strong credentials. MIT accepts just 3.96% of applicants but graduates earn $110,878, while Fitchburg State accepts 86.06% with graduates earning around the state median. Williams College's 8.50% acceptance rate corresponds to $76,460 starting salaries. State universities maintain 80-95% acceptance rates while providing solid regional employment preparation.

Where do Massachusetts Economics graduates find the best job opportunities?

Boston's financial district, Cambridge biotech corridor, and Route 128 tech companies provide strong entry points for Economics graduates. The state's concentration of mutual funds, consulting firms, and healthcare companies creates demand across salary ranges. MIT and Harvard graduates often enter investment banking and consulting, while state university graduates find opportunities in regional banks, government, and growing startups throughout the greater Boston area.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.